Chapter 224: Chapter 225: Showing Her Face

Gu Yifeng’s words were conveyed, and although Li Si didn’t publicize it everywhere, the news quickly reached Mrs. Dong’s ears when it was passed to the gatekeeper.

Mrs. Dong’s eyes turned red with anger, but she dared not act out, choosing instead to sulk alone in her room.

Wu Xueqin, upon hearing the news in the backyard, said nothing much but kindly advised Mrs. Dong in the evening when she visited the main courtyard.

“There are many matters in the mansion now, and the Marquis might be agitated. The order to the gatekeeper must have another purpose. Madam, don’t overthink it. If you truly become this upset, wouldn’t it be giving certain people what they want?” These days, Wu Xueqin had been visiting Mrs. Dong frequently.

Mrs. Dong clearly understood that Wu Xueqin was trying to curry favor, yet she was tactful and well-spoken. Compared to Aunt He and Aunt Lv, Mrs. Wu seemed more pleasant.

“It’s rare to have someone as considerate as you. I didn’t take this matter to heart. The Marquis surely has his reasons. As women of the inner residence, we can’t be of much help. Managing the household well without causing trouble for the Marquis is, in itself, a form of assistance.” In front of Wu Xueqin, Mrs. Dong naturally presented herself as understanding and virtuous.

“I truly believe that too, but Madam knows that I come from a humble background, and my insights aren’t as broad as yours.” Wu Xueqin smiled.

Knowing full well the other was flattering her, Mrs. Dong couldn’t help but feel pleased. “The weather is fine now. Don’t always stay cooped up in the courtyard. When you’re idle, take a walk outside.”

“I usually enjoy quietness; staying in the courtyard is quite nice. Now, being able to sit with Madam here and receiving her favor is more than enough for me.” Before Wu Xueqin finished speaking, the maid outside reported that the eldest young mistress had arrived.

After Lin Qining married into the Marquis Mansion, she quarreled with Gu Chaoxuan on the wedding night, leading the couple to live separately.

Aunt He also sought out Mrs. Dong, who pretended to act as a mediator, summoning Lin Qining to reprimand her lightly, then called Gu Chaoxuan as well. In Mrs. Dong’s presence, they reconciled, but once out of the main courtyard, neither acknowledged the other.

Lin Qining, thereafter, didn’t come to greet Mrs. Dong, who ignored her, considering her merely the wife of an illegitimate son.

Upon hearing that Lin Qining had come, Mrs. Dong was naturally surprised and promptly allowed her to enter.

Lin Qining, upon entering, paid her respects to Mrs. Dong, then lifted her eyes to see Wu Xueqin, a hint of mockery flashing across her face.

Unmoved, Wu Xueqin pretended not to notice, paid her respects to Lin Qining, and after receiving reciprocation, Lin Qining sat down, disregarding Wu Xueqin, speaking only with Mrs. Dong.

“It’s been some time since I married into the mansion, and I haven’t returned to my parents’ home. Today, I’m here to tell Mother that I intend to stay there for a few days tomorrow.”

“It’s my oversight. You’ve come here as a bride, naturally you’d miss home. Have Brother Xuan accompany you tomorrow. Don’t rush back; the mansion has nothing urgent.” Mrs. Dong seldom obstructed deeds that required little effort, choosing not to offend anyone.

Lin Qining smiled and bowed slightly, “Then I’ll go back and pack my things now.”

Mrs. Dong smiled, instructing Jingfu beside her to pick some items from the storeroom for Lin Qining to take back to the Lin Mansion the next day.

After Lin Qining left, Wu Xueqin remarked, “The eldest young mistress is fortunate to have such an agreeable mother-in-law like Madam.”

“Raised with indulgence in this mansion, there’s no need to bind with those rules. In the past, I didn’t establish strict rules by the old lady’s side. We have only one legitimate offspring here in the Marquis Mansion; the title will likely go to the eldest young master. But if you all could grace us with a bit of fortune, there might still be some hope.” Mrs. Dong jestingly teased, showing no sorrow over not having her own child.

Wu Xueqin’s face lightly flushed, “I truly hope Madam bears a legitimate son, so that the century-old legacy of our Marquis Mansion can remain stable.”

An indirect slight toward illegitimate sons.

These words pleased Mrs. Dong, deepening her favor toward Wu Xueqin.

When leaving the main courtyard, Wu Xueqin maintained a gentle smile until it finally faded back in her room.

She wished herself to bear a child, yet since marrying into the Marquis Mansion, the Marquis had never stepped into her courtyard. Everyone in the mansion mocked her for it.

Despite the Marquis sending things to her courtyard occasionally, what use was that?

The only consolation for Wu Xueqin was that, although the Marquis never visited her courtyard, he hadn’t gone to any other either.

At least she could deceive herself now, thinking the Marquis was occupied with duties, thus never stepping into the backyard.

Wu Xueqin sighed softly, “Did you send the medicinal diet I prepared to the old lady?”

In modern times, Wu Xueqin enjoyed self-care, even making some simple medicinal diets. As merely a concubine, she knew she couldn’t cozy up to the old lady for fear of annoying her. But since entering the Marquis Mansion, she frequently prepared medicinal diets and sent them to Shi’an Garden.

She didn’t know if the old lady ate them, but surely, the Marquis and old lady were aware of her intentions.

Yangtao bowed slightly, “I personally delivered it.”

At this point, Yangtao hesitated, refraining from speaking further.

The young lady sends medicinal diets to that place often; one wonders if Madam would be displeased upon learning.

However, Madam seems rather close to the young lady, so likely not upset.

Yet, those diets sent to the old lady probably remain untouched, given they are prepared by a concubine.

Yangtao thought this but dared not express it, fearing she might upset the young lady.

“Don’t worry, I know what you’re thinking. I’ve done what I can; whether the old lady uses them or not isn’t important.” Wu Xueqin lowered her head, “Being merely a concubine, I have little to offer in reverence to the old lady, doing only what I can.”

A glint flashed in her eyes.

“Marquis?” Seeing the figure suddenly appear in the flower hall, Yangtao nervously paid respects.

Gu Yifeng nodded, having overheard Wu Xueqin talking to her maid upon entering. Though aware that this woman sought his attention, her steady demeanor and lack of complaints were commendable.

Despite her young age, possessing the reputation as the Capital’s foremost talented woman, this is impressive indeed.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep